BMW ‘3 Series hatchback’ Gran Turismo facelifted

BMW has revised its slow-selling 3 Series Gran Turismo for 2016 to bring it in line with the rest of the 3 Series range (and try to kick-start its UK popularity).

The five-door 3 Series gets a tweaked front end with posher detailing and standard-fit LED headlights, a smarter interior and a range of new engines.

It also gets BMW’s new tile-based Professional navigation system, the first time the new setup has been offered on a mid-size BMW (after debuting on the World Luxury Car 2016 title-winning new 7 Series).

BMW says the revised grille and new headlights give it a broader stance on the road; there are “zestful” new LED lights at the rear as well, plus a revised rear apron.

Two new colours are offered, taking the total palette up to 11, with Estoril Blue again reserved for M Sport variants (helping car geeks spot them at a glance). Sport and Luxury trims will also be available, reflecting BMW’s desire to take the 3GT slightly upmarket.

Inside, the infotainment display is less bulky, there’s more polished metal detailing for the switches and the centre console boasts high-gloss trim.

New engine range

All three petrol engines are all-new: there’s a 184hp 320i and 252hp 330i – both have a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo – plus a 326hp 3.0-litre straight-six turbo 340i.

Diesels include 150hp 318d, 190hp 320d and 224hp 325d – all are from the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine family – plus 258hp 330d and 313hp 335d six-cylinder motors. Both rear-wheel drive and xDrive four-wheel drive variants are available.

The 325d is a new version of the four-pot engine, boasting twin turbos: emitting as little as 124g/km and averaging 60.1mpg, expect it to come to other BMW models in due course.

And while it may not be all that popular in the UK (seemingly in contrast to the pretty Audi A5 Sportback), it’s a strong seller in other markets: China and the USA like it – 20 per cent of the 130,000 3GT built to date have been sold in China – while 1 in 6 German buyers takes a Gran Turismo.

What’s more, a high proportion of 3GT buyers are conquest customers: in China, 9 in 10 buyers are new to the brand.

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